Annual Events

There are always things to do in Grand Rapids.

Plan your visit to Grand Rapids to coincide with one of the many premier annual events our community offers. County Fair and Rendezvous, Riverboat, and Sled Dogs Too! Car Shows, Lumberjacks, Rodeo, and more! Events are happening year round here in Grand Rapids. Bring the family or getaway with the girls for the weekend. Something is sure to be going on.

You can always count on good food and something fun to do. Mark your calendar for Grand Rapids MN events!

Get Fit Itasca: Open Streets

Get Fit Itasca hosts an annual block party in the streets of the City of Grand Rapids. The idea of Open Streets is to show the community members that non-motorized transportation is fun, safe, and healthy. We encourage all types of non-motorized transportation during our event.

It featured many free attractions such as a rock climbing wall, ski-jump simulator, mountain biking course, National Guard obstacle course, 55+ pickleball, group fitness classes, and much more.

There is also an annual, outdoor Open Streets Jam 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament in conjunction with Open Streets.

The Bash

The Bash

Celebrate life! Enjoy some family fun while participating in a worthwhile endeavor to benefit the Itasca Area Cancer Crisis Fund!

Established to honor the memory of friend, teacher, coach, volunteer, wife and mother, Jackie Bischoff of Cohasset Minnesota, the Bisch Bash 5K Run and Kid’s Pledge Walk help support the Itasca Area Cancer Crisis Fund. The fund is designed to assist Itasca County residents struggling with the effects cancer treatment can have on a family.

Held the last Saturday in June, the Bash involves the entire family by providing fun activities for folks of all ages. There is no need to be a runner or walker to join in the fun! Cheer on your favorites, honor someone you know who has been affected by cancer, enjoy a day out in the park, or simply make a donation if you wish. All forms of participation are welcomed!

Itasca Area Community Education is a collaboration of 4 districts; ISD 316, ISD 317, ISD 318 and ISD 319. The mission of Itasca Area Community Education is to ignite learning through ever-changing opportunities for individuals to enrich and enhance their lives. Community Education events, classes, and programs are happening across the Itasca Area year round for individuals of all ages and interests. Visit our website for more information.

Mondays: 7pm to 9pm
Main doors to Reif Center. Ask one of the singers for directions.

Music really is the international language! We have seen how true this is in our different groups again and again.

Our music entertains our guests and is fun for us to make. We practice hard and gather new experiences from numerous performances. That’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. And since playing also make you thirsty, some even wind up after our practices with a drink or two together.

We are happy to have new additions to our family. Just drop by. You’re bound to like it!

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Opening Fishing BBQ and Fishy 5K

Second Friday in May

Addr...

Opening Fishing BBQ and Fishy 5K

Second Friday in May

Address: 10 NW 5th Street,
Grand Rapids, MN 55744

This OPEN to the Public event is hosted by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce each MN Opening Fishing

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GRAHA Walleye Shootout

Walleye Fishing Tournament in Ju...

GRAHA Walleye Shootout

107 boats competed for the $15,000 first place price at last year's tournament. The team of Estebo and Graupmann boated over 21 pounds of walleyes to win the 1st place GRAHA Walleye Shootout Cup and $15,000 at last years tournament.

Itasca County Fair

The Itasca County Agricultural Association (aka Itasca County Fairboard), welcomes you to our beautiful grounds.
Often referred to as the Itasca County Fairgrounds, our 80 acre parcel is the most beautiful and clean grounds you will visit in the state of Minnesota. The first fair was held on these grounds in 1907.

The Itasca County Fairgrounds continues to be a gathering place for county residents and visitors alike to, camp, fish, enjoy the fair, use the Mesabi Trail, attend events, plan family reunions, or just to visit and get information. We have several buildings for rent that are utilized year-round for storage, meetings etc. Please contact the caretaker at (218) 326-6470 for information, space availability and pricing. With your help and support we will continue this fine tradition.

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Fat Fourteen

Fat Tire Bike Race held in Febru...

Fat Fourteen

Fat Tire Bike Race held in February at the Forest History Center each year.

Address: 2609 Co Rd 76,
Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Come enjoy the beautiful of Minnesota’s nature in Grand Rapids by fat tire biking on groomed trails through the Forest History Center

For more than 60 years the Deer River area has celebrated the World’s Largest Wild Rice Festival. Originally, the festival was established to bring the community together to celebrate the abundance of one of the area’s natural staples, wild rice. Though wild rice still grows abundantly in some of the area lakes and rivers, the advent of “paddy rice” which is grown commercially and harvested mechanically, has made the once regional product a national available commodity.

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North Central MN Farm & Antique Assn

Farm and Antique Annual Consignm...

North Central MN Farm & Antique Assn

North Central Minnesota Farm and Antique Assn. Annual Consignment Auction and Flea Market
On Memorial Day weekend the NCMF&AA presents a swap meet (Saturday & Sunday) and a consignment auction (Saturday only). These events provide a chance to sell and buy a large variety of items, with an emphasis on older farm and rural collectibles. Food and refreshments are available.

North Central Minnesota Farm and Antique Assn. 29th Annual Threshing Show
On the second weekend of August the NCMF&AA sponsors a show which provides a wide variety of opportunities to observe vintage farm related activities and displays including harvesting, sawmill, blacksmithing, household activities, a school, a post office, small engines, miniatures, as well as huge diesel, gasoline, and steam engines. The local Draft Horse association joins in the presentation. Historic displays and activities are added each year. Food and refreshments are available.

Directions: 7 miles east on of Grand Rapids on Hwy. 2.
Grand Rapids MN
The show time is 9am - 4pm
Camping is $10 per day without electric and $20 per day with electric.

For Information, call (218) 326-8254 or (218) 752-6592

Tall Timber Days

Family Fun with many activities

Tall Timber Days

Reserve the First Saturday and Sunday in August Each Year for Grand Rapids’ biggest celebration of the year. Check out the lumberjacks as they climb 40-foot logs or as they compete to stay afloat during the log rolling exhibition. Chainsaw carving demonstrations with many pieces available for sale. An arts and craft fair showcases local and regional talent, while a footrace draws runners from all over northern Minnesota. Children’s street games, bingo tent, food booths and musical entertainment are for the whole family! A parade culminates a weekend of fun on Sunday afternoon.

Tall Timber Days is hosted by an all-volunteer local committee. If you would like to help as a volunteer, or are interested in being a vendor, contact information

The Northern Cruisers Car Club is a club dedicated to having fun while pursuing our interest in cars. The Club is open to all ages and you are not required to own a car. We encourage anyone who’s into classic cars, regardless of the age to check us out.

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Itasca County Historical Society

Connecting people to the history...

Itasca County Historical Society

Our museum will take you back in time with stories about our area. Discover the woolly mammoth tusk found 3 miles from Grand Rapids; learn about the picture GRACE and how it became the Minnesota State Photograph; visit CCC camp locations across Itasca County; see how the Harper Boat Factory built wooden boats; and investigate other fascinating tales.

February 23rd will be the grand opening of the “Then and Now” exhibit which celebrates 125 years of Itasca County -- our Quasquicentennial. Fifteen communities will display artifacts and pictures from the 1800s compared to what it’s like today.

Karjala Genealogy and History Research Center—is open to the public to research families, people or places. The purpose of the center is to collect artifacts, information, genealogy, and photos that are pertinent to Itasca County and to make that information available to all.

Access to Ancestry.com is available during open hours, with Genealogists on site Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from noon to 4:00 p.m. to help in your research.

Open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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91.7 KAXE Radio Mississippi River Music Festival

Mississippi River Music Festival...

91.7 KAXE Radio Mississippi River Music Festival

Always the 3rd weekend of July. Mark your calendars for the 91.7 KAXE Mississippi River Festival. The area’s community public radio station presents this showcase of regional and national musical acts in the Americana, folk, rock, and blues genres. Handmade art and craft items will also be on display along with a silent art auction. Food concessions will also be on site. For more information or to order tickets by phone, call KAXE at (218) 326-1234.

The mission of Grand Rapids Arts is to connect audiences to local artists and arts organizations. Experience our local art scene on the first Friday of every month during our downtown art walk, 4-8pm. Looking for a musician to play at your local event or an artist to give an art talk? Reference the artist roster on our website, grandrapidsarts.org.

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North Star Stampede Rodeo

North Star Stampede Rodeo

The Effie North Star Stampede is always on the same weekend — the last full weekend of July, rain or shine. The rodeo is held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with performances at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There is also a rodeo parade in “downtown” Effie at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Rodeo admission is $13.00 for adults and $6.00 for children ages 6 to 13. Parking is free and there is also free camping on the rodeo grounds on a first come, first served basis.

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Grand Rapids Players

Two Two-tapping performances and...

Grand Rapids Players

The Grand Rapids Players conduct two toe-tapping performances annually at the Myles Reif Performing Arts Center in Grand Rapids. This volunteer theatrical group has enchanted audiences for more than 30 years and produces a spring musical and a fall play.
Tickets are available at Reed Drug, (218) 326-3453, or at the Myles Reif Performing Arts Center, (218) 327-5780.

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Bovey Farmers Day

Bovey Farmers Day

Everyone knows that Bovey Farmer’s Day is the most important day of the year. If you lived in, or visited Bovey, Minnesota, within the last 100 years during Labor Day, you have seen a small town celebration that will remind you what America is all about.

Dust off and crank up those collector cars for the largest car show and swap meet in the North Country! The glamour and excitement of antique classics, hot rods, and street machines come together in Grand Rapids the last weekend of July at the Itasca County Fairgrounds. While admiring vehicles of the past, take advantage of a giant swap meet outdoor shopping.

Club Mesabi – Mesabi Trail – Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour

Great River Energy - Mesabi Trail Tour
Ride for the fun or ride for the challenge, either way mark your calendar for Saturday, August 6, 2016 when Great River Energy, Club Mesabi and the Mesabi TrailTM join forces to support two state traditions - recreational trails and Ampers - "Diverse Radio for Minnesota's Communities".

The GRE-Mesabi Trail Tour is a unique recreational riding experience that both serious riders and families will enjoy - choose from four different routes ranging from 67 to 12 miles.

Special discounted "Youth Tour Package" for girl or boy scout troops working on their cycling merit badges, sports teams, church youth groups, boys or girls clubs, 4H... Call Club Mesabi at 218-749-4331 for more details and to see if your youth group qualifies.

Group discounts available for other groups as well including; bike clubs, church groups, family reunions, employee wellness program. Call Club Mesabi at 218-749-4331 for more details.

Itasca Orchestra & Strings Program

Provides opportunities to hear, ...

Itasca Orchestra & Strings Program

Provides opportunities to hear, learn and perform orchestral music for the youth and adults in Itasca County

Deer River Bar-b-que & Brew Fest

Deer River will be smokin’ for the Annual Deer River Bar-b-que and Brew Fest, Saturday, July 15th, 2017 at White Oak Learning Center in Deer River.

The event will kick-off as pit and brew teams assemble for the competition. The Burners and Smokers will be creating their best renditions of low and slow beef brisket, pork, ribs and chicken. Brewers will be chilling down their favorite recipes in up to four styles – IPA (India Pale Ale), Stout/Porter, Lager and Brewer’s Choice. All will be competing for awards and bragging rights

Beginning at 3 p.m., the public is welcome to mingle with the champion cook while sampling sauce-smothered ‘que & brew.

Music:
The outdoor stage will come alive at 4 p.m. with live music!!

Cost:
General admission: $15

Directions: Take Highway 6 north for 1 mile to White Oak Learning Center.

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Itasca Choral Society

Itasca County's mixed choir, ope...

Itasca Choral Society

Itasca County’s mixed choir, open to all serious singers. No auditions necessary. Join in Sept. or Jan. Goal–making quality choral music accessible to all. Fun director with excellent training. Friendly place to be. Wonderful time to make new friends and contribute to the joy of singing.

WinterGlo Festival

First weekend in December each y...

WinterGlo Festival

First weekend in December each year.

Location: Grand Rapids, MN area

Come to Grand Rapids for a old fashion celebration to kick off the holiday and winter season. Over 20 different events throughout 3 days! Many FREE events!

Art Fair

Be inspired by Art in nature.

Art Fair

Be inspired by Art in nature.

Address: 10 NW 5th Street,
Grand Rapids, MN 55744

MacRostie Art Center hosts this annual downtown Art Fair at the Central School Park in Grand Rapids every July. Come view, make and purchase art!